Event Sustainability Heroes: Jessica Badminton from Quilter
Introducing some of our favourite sustainability champions
We’re constantly inspired by people we’re lucky enough to work with in the events industry and we’d like to introduce you to them too. In the first of an occasional series we’re chatting to our event sustainability heroes and finding out what motivates them to lead a more sustainable lifestyle. We’re kicking off with Jessica Badminton, Head of Events at Quilter.
Q: How did you first became interested in sustainability?
“The pandemic put a lot into perspective for me. I became acutely aware that even though we were in a rubbish situation, I’d never had to worry about having a roof over my head or food on the table. Going back to physical events I wanted to make sure that, whilst delivering incredible events, we were also putting a focus on those who needed help”.
Q: What sustainable habits are important to you?
“Reducing food waste is the biggest one for me. It’s such a simple concept and has such a direct and immediate impact on those less fortunate. There are so many layers to it from the sustainable angle and project drawdown showing reducing food waste as the number one way to reduce heat trapping gasses, to the societal angle with 14 million people in the UK struggling to feed themselves and their families”.
Q: Have you any tips or tricks for living a more sustainable lifestyle that you’d recommend for others?
“I’d like to think we all already do our bits at home, recycling everything we can, reusing plastic bags, turning appliances off when not in use. The sad reality is that those things only scratch the surface. I implore anyone in events to start looking at food waste, and food donation. The events industry is truly remarkable and we all hold such power to make a real difference”.
Q: Are there any new areas of focus you might have for your sustainable habits looking forward to 2024?
“Continuing food donation and reducing food waste. Having experienced challenges implementing this, I’m working really hard to make this easier for the events industry than it currently is and I look forward to the day when this is the norm”.
Hear hear Jessica! We look forward to that too. Thanks to her for kindly chatting with us for our event sustainability heroes series. if any of you would like to find out more about how we could work with you to achieve all your event ESG goals, get in touch.
